Imaging Apparatus Infrared Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to achieve good color reproducibility and smooth switching between color and monochrome images due to inadequate removal of the infrared light component, especially when the spectral characteristics of visible and infrared light filters differ, leading to uncomfortable user experiences.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a first pixel receiving both visible and infrared light, a second pixel receiving only infrared light, and estimation and subtraction units that accurately estimate and remove the infrared light component based on spectral characteristics, allowing for effective color image reproduction and seamless switching between color and monochrome modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the output signal of the infrared light receiving device is subtracted from the output signal of the imaging device, then the infrared light component can be removed to obtain color images with good color reproducibility, but good color reproducibility cannot be obtained when the spectral characteristics of visible and infrared light filters differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of spectral characteristic matching by making the spectral characteristics of the visible light filter and infrared light filter substantially match in the infrared region. This ensures that the infrared light component estimated from the infrared light receiving device accurately represents the infrared component in the imaging device output, enabling reliable infrared removal and good color reproducibility simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the infrared light component by using an infrared light receiving device with matching spectral characteristics. This copied infrared signal from the infrared receiving device accurately represents the infrared component in the imaging device output, allowing for precise subtraction and reliable color reproduction
2Speed
If switching between color image and monochrome image is done instantaneously, then the processing speed is fast, but the user has an uncomfortable feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the switching dynamic by gradually changing the degree of infrared component removal over time rather than instantaneous switching. The control unit adjusts the subtraction amount progressively, allowing smooth transition between color and monochrome modes that is comfortable for users while maintaining fast overall switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic adjustment of the infrared component removal degree during the transition process. The control unit periodically modifies the subtraction amount in a controlled manner, creating a smooth transitional sequence that eliminates the abruptness of instantaneous switching and provides user comfort
3Measurement precision
If additional optical devices are added to improve infrared light component removal, then color reproducibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the imaging device and infrared light receiving device by integrating them into a single system with coordinated processing. The control unit combines signals from both devices and performs unified infrared component removal, achieving good color reproducibility without requiring separate complex optical devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both color imaging and infrared imaging with a single integrated setup. The same imaging device and infrared light receiving device serve multiple purposes through different processing modes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated optical devices and reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of images with good color reproducibility and high-sensitivity monochrome images by accurately removing the infrared light component, improving user experience through smooth mode switching and reducing the need for additional optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device which has pixels that convert light into electricity
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light receiving device which has pixels that convert light into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a first pixel which receives both visible light and infrared light, and a second pixel which receives infrared light, both pixels being formed on an imaging device; an infrared light component estimation unit which estimates, based on spectral characteristics of light received by the first pixel and spectral characteristics of light received by the second pixel, a magnitude of an infrared light component contained in a signal outputted from the first pixel from a signal outputted from the second pixel; and a subtraction unit which subtracts the estimated infrared light component from the signal outputted from the first pixel.